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“You see, I have never viewed gaming as simple luck or chance. To me, it is the stock exchange of the ordinary person and a place where dreams can spark and sometimes become reality. It gives everyday people a reason to hope, to believe, and to aim higher.”
Chief Kesington Adebutu, KJW, OON, CON,CFR, GCON.
Chief Adebutu is the first Nigerian to be awarded four National Honours. Chief was born by Muslim father and mother; yet he voluntarily became a Christian and served the Methodist Church of Nigeria, so diligently and faithfully, he became a Knight of John Wesley, 1703- 1791, the highest honour in the church. To the best of my knowledge, Chief is the first person not born a Christian to reach the pinnacle.
Chief Adebutu is one of the richest businessmen in Nigeria, who lives quietly and donates generously to many causes.
Chief launched a book titled LEGACY IN MOTION: THE QUIET POWER OF A NIGERIAN ICON, AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY on October 24, 2025 to mark his 90th birthday.
A copy of that book reached me only two weeks ago; and it contained lessons for young people worldwide, but, especially Nigeria, which should be brought to their attention.
It is not a book just for budding entrepreneurs alone; it mentors everybody seeking success in every field of human endeavour. For Nigerians under 50, getting hold of this book is the beginning of wisdom and possibly unimaginable wealth.
“My Counsel To The Young Dreamer
To every aspiring entrepreneur, I offer these words: Begin with diligence. Rise early. Work hard. Honour small tasks as they are the foundation of the great ones. Guard your integrity like a treasure chest. Let your word mean more than a signed contract. Never stop learning. Read, ask questions, observe. Grow your mind and your heart equally. And, above all, be a giver. Share what you earn. Bless others. Invest in lives. Build bridges. Let your success be a ladder for others to climb not a wall to keep them out.”
That is on page 21 of the book; which succeeded in convincing me that gaming performs another function in every society; which is seldom mentioned and acknowledged.
Hope Perpetually Renewed
On page 44, when he stated that, “I realized then that lottery was not merely about money; it was about hope, about giving the average man or woman something to look forward to; something that says “may be, tomorrow will be better”, my first instinct was to stop reading. But, I remembered an incident – which shaped my life. Generally, I seldom gamble or play lottery.
Growing up at Vincent Street, Lagos Island, very close to the family house of the Vincent Family, where the late former Governor of Central Bank, Ola Vincent, was born, and a pools shop was situated, I remembered only the losers. I avoided it like the plague – until 1973 in Boston, USA.
By 1970, I had completed my Bachelors and Master’s degrees; had a good job; had a house bought on mortgage and two cars in the garage for my wife and me.
I was living a comfortable life. But, I was unhappy. I left Nigeria in 1964 on American government scholarship and never returned despite vacationing in other places.
I wanted to come home for a visit; but, had no money for the trip. All my colleagues at POLAROID Corporation played the State Lottery weekly; and lost weekly; and I laughed at them weekly.
One day, with only two dollars left in my pocket, I bought a ticket; and my mates laughed. Monday morning on December 1973, the results came. My ticket had won enough money to take me to Nigeria and back, as well as pay the mortgage for six months.
I was in Nigeria for Christmas and New Year; during which I met my wife and returned permanently to Nigeria in 1974. For me, a one-dollar ticket made my tomorrows better from 1973 till today.
I also remembered a statement by a lady co-worker in a five-star hotel, where I worked part-time as a dishwasher. She played every week and hoped every week – until she won a bundle. Her famous statement: “If you don’t play, you can’t win”, rings in my ears till today.
Later, after reading the book, I went to Isale-Eko; to visit one of my in-laws who was a wretched carpenter until a lucky strike at gaming transformed him to a home-owner and developer.
Certainly, gaming brings perpetual hope. However, Chief Adebutu has provided a more compelling reason why young men and women aiming for success in life should learn from his wealth, pardon the pun, of experience.
He is extremely passionate about certain ideas and ideals which he strongly believes will help those aspiring to leadership should adopt. I totally agree. Here then are a few to ponder.
BUSINESS, GIVING, INTEGRITY, MENTORSHIP, WEALTH
Like the man who walks up to a buffet table packed with several desirable dishes, it was difficult selecting those which would appeal most to those wanting to be their own bosses, create jobs, employ other people and serve society at the same time.
Accept these few as starters. You can always ask me for more; and rest assured; you will get them.
BUSINESS
“My philosophy in business has never wavered: enterprise must empower, not exploit. Profit must never come at the cost of principle.” P 66. **
“….business must serve the society which sustains it. If the people around you are poorer because of your wealth, then your wealth is a curse, not a crown.” P 66 **
CUTTING CORNERS
“In a time when cutting corners had become the norm, I committed to building an empire of trust.” P 68. *
“You see, when you cut corners in the boardroom, you leave wounds in peoples living rooms. That is the heavy consequence of ethical compromise.” P 69. **
DISCIPLINE
“The book (How to Be Your Own Boss) spoke of discipline as the seed of independence, and of personal responsibility as the only true insurance in business.” P44 **
GIVING
“Giving has always been second nature to me. I never kept records. Some thought it unwise. P 69. **
“You will be taken advantage of”, a colleague warned. I replied, “Let them take advantage. I’d rather be remembered for giving too much than too little.” P 70. **
INTEGRITY
“But, along those roads, I learnt that true wealth is not stored in vaults, but in values, integrity, humility, service and faith.” P ix. **
MENTORSHIP
“…true wealth should not be measured by the vaults you fill but by the lives you shape, the hands you strengthen and the lights you ignite in others.” P 141 **
“Mentoring, therefore, becomes an extension of this sacred duty. It is the bridge between memory and the future, between the wisdom of the elders and the hunger of youth.” P 143. **
WEALTH
“Wealth and wisdom: twin pillars for enduring prosperity.” P 64 **
“From experience, I would start from the onset that the accumulation of wealth for its own sake is no success in the true sense of the word; unless such wealth is used to improve society, wipe out sorrow, change the map of human society in a new direction that brings hope to many people.” P64. **
LAST WORDS There is more where those came from. If you want more, ask and you will receive.
Follow me on Facebook @ J Israel Biola.
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